ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

DAVID LINTNER, MD

This rehabilitation protocol has been developed for the patient following an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgical procedure. This procedure is normally performed on the overhead athlete or throwing athlete with severe instability or acute trauma to the UCL. The most frequently utilized tissue is a palmaris longus autograft tendon. The protocol is divided into phases. Each phase is adaptable based on the individual and special circumstances.

The overall goals of the surgical procedure and rehabilitation are to:

Control pain and inflammation

Regain normal upper extremity strength and endurance

Regain normal elbow range of motion

Achieve the level of function based on the orthopedic and patient goals

The physical therapy should be initiated 10 to 14 days post-op, to be decided by Dr. Lintner. The supervised rehabilitation is to be supplemented by a home fitness program where the patient performs the given exercises at home or at a gym facility.

Important post-operative signs to monitor include:

Swelling of the elbow and surrounding soft tissue

Abnormal pain, hypersensitive-an increase in night pain

Severe range of motion limitations

Weakness in the upper extremity musculature

Return to activity requires both time and clinical evaluation. To most safely and efficiently return to normal or high level functional activity, the patient requires adequate strength, flexibility, and endurance. Functional evaluation including strength and range of motion testing is one method of evaluating a patient’s readiness to return to activity. Return to intense activities following an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction requires both a strenuous strengthening and range of motion program along with a period of time to allow for tissue healing. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, or instability should be closely monitored by the patient.

Dr. David Lintner

Dr. David Lintner specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder and is active in teaching orthopedic surgeons the latest techniques. He also specializes in injuries to throwers’ shoulders and elbows, having written more than thirty scientific articles about ACL injuries, thrower’s injuries, and other sports medicine issues.

Dr. Lintner is proud to partner with Kirby Surgical Center and provide high quality care and personal attention to our patients. Find more information about Kirby Surgical Center here.